Brian Thomas Jr. has emerged as the breakout wide receiver that fantasy football managers must target early in the 2025 drafts. According to the PFSN Fantasy Mock Draft Simulator, he consistently goes in the first round, often earlier than his average draft position, signaling a shift in the perception of his fantasy value. With his performance and role, Thomas is positioned to be a top asset for fantasy football this year.
Brian Thomas Jr.’s Rookie Season That Defied Expectations
Thomas erased all rookie doubts with a remarkable finish to his first NFL season, posting six consecutive games with double-digit targets, a streak only matched by Amon-Ra St. Brown since 2000. As St. Brown’s career trajectory showed, such a foundation often leads to major improvements in subsequent years, even with new teammates joining the offense.
Despite playing on a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars offense ranked 26th in scoring and enduring unstable quarterback play with Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones alternating, Thomas managed to secure 129 targets and seven games with ten or more targets. Over the final seven games, he was third in the NFL in fantasy points per game, averaging 16.7—placing him solidly among the top 12 receivers.
What’s more impressive is Thomas’s consistency when Mac Jones took over as quarterback, maintaining an average of 21.5 PPR points per game during those final seven games, only behind elite players Puka Nacua and Ja’Marr Chase. His ability to thrive regardless of quarterback changes highlights his reliability and “QB-proof” status for fantasy managers.
Thomas as Jacksonville Jaguars’ Go-To Red Zone Threat
Thomas’s role as the primary red zone target distinguishes him from many rookies. Even within an offense that struggled to score, he led all rookie receivers in end zone targets, often being the first option inside the 20-yard line. Only elite players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Travis Kelce, and Justin Jefferson received more red zone looks, underscoring Thomas’s valuable role in fantasy scoring opportunities.
With new offensive coordinator Liam Coen replacing Doug Pederson, the Jaguars’ offense looks poised to improve substantially. Coen’s prior work in Tampa Bay with receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin involved increasing target share and creating simplified, high-volume situations for top receivers. Thomas is expected to benefit from a similar approach, with projected targets exceeding 150 as the undisputed WR1.
Why Travis Hunter Won’t Cut Into Thomas’s Value Significantly
Concerns about Travis Hunter reducing Thomas’s targets are likely overblown. Although Hunter is an impressive talent, the Jaguars plan to deploy him in diverse roles with limited early offensive snaps. His presence will draw defensive focus, clearing the way for Thomas to maintain a heavy share of targets. The team’s departing veterans accounted for over 150 targets, leaving room for both players without significant overlap.
The anticipated offensive scheme under Coen emphasizes a more vertical passing game, contrasting the previous conservative style. This new system, praised by some for its adaptability, gave Baker Mayfield MVP-level moments in Tampa Bay. Thomas, who offers greater explosiveness and versatility than Coen’s previous receivers, is set to play multiple roles, including jet sweeps, deep routes, and slot positioning, all designed to maximize his impact on the field.
Thomas’s physical attributes—standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds—along with his demonstrated red zone proficiency and ability to perform well despite inconsistent quarterback play, make him a unique fantasy football prospect. His proven resilience and dominant role support the case for drafting him early and with confidence in 2025.
Looking Ahead: The Expected Impact of Thomas in Fantasy Football 2025
The fantasy football industry may be slow to fully appreciate Brian Thomas Jr.’s value, but data-driven mock drafts and rising target projections signal a clear trend. Selecting Thomas late in the first round is shaping up to be a smart move for fantasy managers seeking a reliable WR1 with breakout potential. His combination of consistent volume, red zone priority, and offensive system upgrade makes him one of the most promising wide receivers entering 2025 drafts.